Caleb Williams, Jaquan Brisker Lead Reactions After Bears Hire Ben Johnson

Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears moved swiftly once their window to do so opened up, hiring Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their next head coach. Johnson replaces Matt Eberflus – the first head coach the franchise has ever fired in-season – and interim HC Thomas Brown.

Naturally, the reactions have poured in following the landmark decision, with Johnson the franchise’s 19th head coach.

Bears’ Caleb Williams, Jaquan Brisker React to Ben Johnson Hire

Caleb Williams Gives “Like” to Bears’ Ben Johnson Hire

Bears quarterback Caleb Williams – inarguably the most important player when discussing the next steps for the franchise – seems to approve.

Williams gave a detailed endorsement of Johnson’s abilities during the season, and vice versa. Johnson was also linked to the position before last season until the Bears decided to retain Eberflus. One year later, coach and quarterback are united.

Bears safety Jaquan Brisker also weighed in.

Brisker missed the final 12 games of the 2024 regular season with a concussion. He has also been lamenting the Bears’ lack of participation in this year’s playoffs.

“This is the turning point. New times! Let’s get it,” Brisker posted on X on January 20. “#DaBears”

Both Brisker and Williams – who did so “selfishly,” by his own admission – said they wanted the best coach but made no secret that their preference is for an offensive head coach. Their reasoning? Continuity for the franchise.

Reactions Pour In After Bears Hire

“What can the Bears expect from Ben Johnson? Some things that stand out from my time around him and the Lions: He’s low on ego but big on analytics. He thinks creatively and will emphasize the run game and protections,” The Athletic’s Dan Pompei posted on X on January 20. “Johnson will have a vision for what he wants to do with Caleb.”

The situation escalated quickly.

“While it makes sense Ben Johnson took the Chicago job, people around the league are pretty surprised right now,” The Athletic’s Dianna Russini posted on X in the aftermath of the news.”

The Bears only conducted two in-person interviews: Ron Rivera – who played and coached for the organization and has been a head coach for the Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders –  and Tennessee State Eddie George.

“The Exhibit” host Josina Anderson reported that Johnson was mulling the Bears’ position just minutes before the news of the hire officially broke.

“Ben Johnson picked the Bears because of the quarterback,” Russini said in another post. “It’s that simple.”

The Jacksonville Jaguars and Las Vegas Raiders also pursued Johnson.

Jacksonville has former No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence (and the benefit of no state tax, which is nothing to sneeze at). The Raiders do not have an answer at QB. However, they have Tom Brady as part-owner and the No. 6 overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft.

The incoming rookie QB class is not considered particularly strong. More importantly, though, Williams is younger than Lawrence and has already shown he can do elite things in the NFL.

Now, they must continue to put the proper pieces around him so that he can develop further.